NEAR is a collective, a foundation, and a development platform built on a sharded, proof-of-stake, and layer-one blockchain.
NEAR’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism ensures both security and energy efficiency, enabling a decentralized network of validators to confirm transactions and maintain the integrity of the blockchain. The combination of sharding and proof-of-stake technology allows NEAR to provide a robust infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. This infrastructure supports a wide range of applications, from financial services to gaming, by offering a scalable and efficient platform for developers.